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Insights, Ideas & Best Practices
Welcome to the SFN Blog – your go-to source for relevant knowledge, practical tools, and fresh perspectives on planning, building, and managing racquet sports facilities.
Here you’ll find curated content that covers every angle of the business: from strategic planning, architecture, and operations, to community building, programming, and technology. Each post is designed to help facility operators, investors, and partners navigate the evolving landscape of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton.
No buzzwords – just experience, insight, and ideas that work.
Dive in, stay inspired, and let’s shape the future of racquet sports together.
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From Court Time to Well-Being: Why Racquet Clubs Should Double Down on Wellness
Wellness is no longer a spa add-on but a growth driver for racquet clubs. The Global Wellness Institute’s microtrend report shows younger players seek social recovery, better sleep, and mental fitness alongside court time. From social sauna culture to sleep-smart facilities and evidence-based recovery, wellness widens reach, boosts loyalty, and smooths utilization. For tennis, squash, padel, and pickleball venues, the post-match experience may be as decisive as the match itse
Padel and Pickleball: A new systematic review examined the affect on mental health
Padel and pickleball are more than trending racket sports—they offer distinct mental health benefits for players. A 2025 systematic review highlights that pickleball boosts life satisfaction, happiness, and social connection, particularly in seniors. Padel enhances self-confidence and reduces anxiety among competitive players but increases mental fatigue. Club operators can leverage these findings to optimize programs and improve member wellbeing.
Sport Shops in Racquet Facilities: Adapting to the Online Challenge
Sports shops in racket facilities face challenges due to online competition. Shaun from Oliver emphasizes competitive pricing, honest advice, product testing, efficient service, essential accessories, profitable restringing services, and brand partnerships as crucial for success.
The Social Club Revolution in Racquet Sports
Racquet sports like padel and pickleball are booming not just for fitness, but for their social appeal. This article explores how the rise of “social clubs” is reshaping the racquet sports industry by combining sport, hospitality, and community. From facility design to programming and member experience, it outlines how true social value—not just branding—will define the next generation of racquet clubs.
The Right Location: The Critical Foundation for Sustainable Racquet Sports Facilities
Location is the single most critical factor in racquet sports facility success. Balancing real estate value with operational needs is essential for sustainability. This article explores demographic alignment, cost challenges, and strategic models—from mixed-use spaces to community integration—that ensure long-term viability across Squash, Padel, and Pickleball projects.
Success Factors in Racquet Facilities – Still True After 35 Years
Dr. Kai Haack, former advisor and macroeconomist, shares timeless insights on what makes racquet sports facilities truly successful. From the critical role of location to the underestimated demands of operating leisure centers, his reflections reveal why the fundamentals of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton haven’t changed—and why future-ready concepts must learn from the past.
How Modern Squash Facilities Boost Revenue Beyond Court Bookings
Relying solely on court bookings is no longer enough. This SFN article explores how modern squash facilities can boost revenue through diversified income streams like adult and junior programmes, corporate events, wellness services, and more. Learn from real-life examples and discover why professional management and innovation are essential for sustainable success.
Is Squash Healthy? Let’s explore what the club of the future is shaping into
Discover how squash evolves into the club of the future, blending health, community, and technology for an unmatched sports experience.
Unlocking the Business Potential of Racquet Sports - Lessons from the Past
Boost racquet sports success by learning from past mistakes and planning flexible, engaging, and diverse facilities that build community.
Understanding Player Types: Selecting the Ideal Racquet Sport for Your Venue
Discover the best racquet sport for your facility by understanding player types in padel, squash, tennis, badminton & pickleball.
Squash Global Report 2024: The Diversity of Squash Facilities and their Business Models
The Squash Global Report 2024 offers fascinating insights into the world of squash facilities, revealing a variety of models and business...
How can squash facilities attract funding for their programmes?
Funding is a regular headache for anyone running squash programmes. How can you 'sell' the benefits of your programme to potential...
Membership or pay-and-play? 'A mixture is the best way forward for squash'
Vincent Bradley in action Irishman Vincent Bradley ( pictured above ) has been head squash coach and part of the management team at OASE...
Open Squash membership model - for those who can afford to play and those who can't
Open Squash's mission is to make squash more affordable, accessible and inclusive. Thanks to its innovative membership model.
Non-profit Uster Squash Arena is Swiss success story
Uster Squash Arena, situated in a picturesque town 15 miles east of Zurich, must surely be the world's only squash club to share its...
How Pay & Play reversed Doncaster Squash Club's fortunes
Squash match in progress at the Doncaster Squash Club Just before the pandemic, Doncaster Squash Club flipped its business model from a...
Non-Profit US Community Squash Centers: A Model of Social Engagement
Barrett Takesian Executive Director of the Portland Community Squash Time and again, we hear inspiring stories from the USA about...
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